My parents taught my brother and me to play Monopoly and then spent the next five years trying to get out of playing the game. It was addictive. It was loooong. Besides, my brother cheated. He sat on money and then pulled it out when on the brink of bankruptcy.
But those board games taught us good lessons. We learned to pay attention, to take turns, to follow directions and win or lose gracefully. (Did I mention my brother cheated?) We learned some reading and math skills and some problem solving and strategic thinking.
Introducing simple board games to very young children and playing increasingly difficult games as they’re ready is both educational and promotes social and emotional growth. And today’s families need to make time for unplugged play. Games allow space for modeling positive game-playing behavior, communicating with and encouraging one another. They allow practice in good sportsmanship. They allow risk of failure in a safe setting. In a busy life filled with activities away from home, games can provide time to connect and just enjoy each other.
The simplest games require little or no reading and the most involved take players into logic, cause and effect, reflection on choices and decisions made while teaching geography or history or introducing alternate worlds. There are thousands of games to choose from.
What are some of your family favorites?
Here are several websites to help you find games just right for your family.
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